This is the first time I have used bamboo needles. I have heard so many people say how much they love using them, they are so light and smooth etc etc. I hate them. I am tempted to skewer chunks of chicken on them for kebabs and stick them under the grill. It may come to that, but not yet. I bought them yesterday because I am going away tomorrow and wanted to take some knitting with me. If I took metal knitting needles through airport security I would have they would arouse suspicion because they are metal and pointed: the fact that they are knitting needles, with knitting on them, and I'm not the murderous sort anyway, would cut no ice. They would be confiscated. While I was in the shop buying them another customer overheard and said it had happened to her, ruining her plans for a long haul flight. They let her keep her crochet hook, so she had something to do, but she said she was fuming.
So here it is, the latest baby cardigan is on the needles. I am to be a great aunt yet again twice this spring, so I thought I should put aside an extra cardigan for a little girl. I'm not totally convinced by the rusty salmon pink, so I am putting in stripes of the random pinky white pastel yarn. The effect is almost tweedy, and the idea of a miniature Miss Marple cardigan could catch on. Either that or it will end up looking like a bad taste tea cosy. We shall see.
As soon as I get home after this trip I shall transfer the stitches onto nice heavy metal needles and I shall be much happier. In the meantime, I must remember to pack a stitch holder, just in case these wretched little sticks snap when they are packed in my luggage.
I recently tried wooden knitting needles, and found there is a bit of a 'drag' on needles
ReplyDeletewhen knitting that you don't have with metal ones. Also I found I knitted a little looser with wood. I would suggest checking your gauge closely when switching needles in same garment. I too, tried out wooden needles to use when traveling and though I didn't hate them, I will stick with my metal ones.
Hello Ruth,
DeleteYes, drag is a bit of a problem. I find I tend to knit even tighter than usual, which is annoying because I have tight tension anyway.
I think I might change to metal needles later on, but not until I have reached the armhole shaping on the fronts, back and sleeves. If there is a change in the tension, at least it will all come at the same place.
What method did you use to cast on here? It loos very neat. I must admit I love my bamboo needles - I inherited my mum's set. She was a great knitter and must have gone over to bamboo needles later in her life. Last year when I needed a pair of a certain size that I hadn't got I treated myself to a pair of rosewood ones - they are beautiful just to look at and feel never mind knit with! I think they have a heavier feel than the bamboo ones.
ReplyDeleteHello Lizzie,
DeleteIt's the cable method of casting on, as shown on this video:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkYejFGwsI
The rosewood needles sound nice. I find the bamboo ones far too light. Perhaps I should try and find a pair for next time I go travelling.
Thank you - actually that's the method I normally use but yours looks much neater than mine!
DeletePerhaps it's my neurotically super tight tension.
DeleteGood luck with the knitting. Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrée!
DeleteI'm home now, and the knitting is a little bit longer...but not much!
Love, Muv